by Elsie Davis
“What are you two talking about?” Lacy asked as she approached.
“Just stuff,” Macy shrugged off the conversation.
Amanda’s phone rang. She glanced at the caller id and answered when she saw that it was her grandfather calling.
“Amanda, dear. I don’t feel good. My chest hurts. And there’s numbness in my arm. It’s different from last time.” Grandpa sounded as though he’d run a marathon mile, his labored breathing a sure sign something was wrong.
“I’m calling an ambulance. Don’t do anything. Are you sitting down?” Amanda’s head was spinning with worry, making it hard to think coherently.
“Yes.” The fact he wasn’t arguing was another bad sign.
“Okay. Stay put, and I’ll be there in a few minutes.” Fear washed down her spine, but Amanda shoved it aside. Now wasn’t the time to give in to her fears. She had to be strong for his sake.
“I love you, Amanda. Just want you to know that.” Her grandfather’s words tripped her up, knowing they revealed the depth of his worry that he might not survive.
“And I love you, too. But don’t you be checking out on me. I’m not ready for that. I’ll be right there.” Amanda hated to hang up, but she needed to dial 9-1-1.
“9-1-1 operator. How may I help you?”
“My grandfather is Joe Maddox. He lives at 110 Beech Drive in Hallbrook. I think he’s having a heart attack. Can you send an ambulance?” Her heart raced, adrenaline surging through every pore of her body, filling her with the fear of losing the only family she had left. Nothing could happen to him. Nothing.
“And your name, ma’am?” the woman asked, her tone level.
Amanda tried to draw strength from her. “Amanda Tillman.”
“Try to stay calm. We will dispatch somebody immediately. Is there someone there with him now?”
“No, but I’m on my way,” Amanda assured the woman.
“They will transport him to Lancaster General if necessary.” The woman continued to remain calm and Amanda fought to do the same. She would be useless to Grandpa if she lost it.
“Thank you. I’ll meet the paramedics at the house.”
“What is it, Miss Amanda,” Lacy asked, her eyes wide with concern.
“Sorry, everyone. I need to close the bakery. I think my grandfather is having a heart attack. I need to get to the house to meet the paramedics.” She spoke loud enough to get Barbara and Janet’s attention, knowing they would understand.
“Go. Go. Give me the keys, and I’ll lock up the place. I can drop them off at Jennifer’s house tonight,” Barbara insisted.
Small-town living at its best, something Amanda would do well to remember when she found herself on the gossip end of the bargain and felt like complaining. “Thank you, ladies. That would be a great help.” The girls hugged her goodbye and Amanda raced out the door, more than willing to let the others close the bakery.
Amanda headed for his house, brushing back the tears in her eyes. “Please, dear Lord, Let Grandpa be okay. I pray for your healing touch, and for you to guide me and give me the strength to help him in any way necessary. Amen.” Her own fear of not being where she needed to be pressed hard on her heart as she spoke the words out loud, hoping to find a sense of peace in them.
Chapter Eighteen
Kevin drove up to the front of the elementary school and waited for the girls. He’d managed to get through the day without anyone knowing it was his birthday. One of the perks of being new in town.
The girls were a different story entirely. They’d fixed him breakfast, forcing him to remain in bed, leaving him to worry if they would burn the house down. Their track record in the kitchen was less than stellar. But to their credit, it had been passable. Oatmeal, toast and jam, and coffee. Well, the coffee he could have done without. Maybe it was time to invest in one of those easy K-up coffee machines.
“Happy birthday, Daddy,” Lacy said, giving him a hug from the back seat as she slid in the car.
“Happy birthday, Daddy,” Macy echoed, following suit.
“What’s with the extra birthday wishes?” You already gave me a special gift this morning.”
“I know, but it’s your birthday all day long. We need to do something special tonight. Only…” Lacy started but let out a deep sigh without continuing, looking lost deep in thought.
“Only what? Is there a problem?” he asked, hoping they hadn’t gotten in trouble at school again.
“Well, you see, it’s kind of like this. There’s a problem with your cake.”
“Is that all? Don’t worry about it. I don’t need a cake.” Amanda was supposed to help them out, but Kevin was pretty sure it would never happen, not after the way things had ended between them.
“But that’s just it. We had a cake. Or almost had a cake. Amanda helped us, but things didn’t work out.” Macy shrugged. “Poor Amanda.”
This was the first he’d heard of it. “You saw her? When?” He glanced back at the girls in the rearview mirror as he drove to the house.
“Yes. We were at the bakery yesterday afternoon,” Lacy spoke up.
Poor Amanda. Something was wrong, and he hated he couldn’t be there for her and didn’t even know about whatever was going on. “How is she?”
“Not good. Her grandpa had a heart attack, and she closed the shop. They called the ambulance and were taking him to the hospital. That’s why we don’t have your cake finished.”
“It’s okay about the cake. I promise. I appreciate the effort you went to. Amanda’s close to her grandfather and I bet she’s quite upset. I hope he’s doing okay.” On the way home, he took a detour and drove past the bakery just to see what was happening. The place was closed, just as the girls had mentioned.
He wasn’t sure what it meant in terms of her grandfather, but as Amanda’s friend, he needed to be there for her. Everything that had transpired between them couldn’t change the fact that he cared about her. In fact, there was a good chance he was half in love with her.
And yet, because of some ridiculous promise to Victoria, Kevin was shutting Amanda out of his life and the girls’ life. The question became, however, was it the only reason? Or had it been easier to agree with Victoria, conveniently using her as a reason to avoid relationships and protect himself from getting hurt again? And yet it was happening anyway—with Amanda. For the first time since the divorce, he realized it was time to reclaim his life from Victoria and the hold she had over him. He wanted a chance at a future with Amanda if she’d ever forgive him, but first, he’d have to talk to Victoria and change the rules of their arrangement. He loved his girls, but given time to find out, he was pretty sure he was in love with Amanda too.
And the woman he was falling in love with needed his help as she faced losing the two most important things in her life. Amanda was the most giving person he knew, and now it was time for people to give back.
Kevin might not be able to control her grandfather’s future, but he would do everything in his power to make sure she didn’t lose the bakery when her life was already in shambles. And that meant come morning, the Sweeter Side of Life had to open for business come morning.
“Hey, girls. Would you mind if I dropped you at Lori’s house for a bit? I’d like to run over to the hospital to check on Amanda and her grandfather and see if there’s anything I can do to help. I’ve always told you friends help friends.”
“Definitely, Daddy. You should go.” He glanced into the rearview mirror just in time to see the two girls high five each other, grins on their faces. Maybe he wasn’t the only one missing Amanda.
“Perfect. I’ll let you know when I’m on my way back, and we can go out to dinner.” He called Barbara Jennings to make sure it was okay for the twins to come by and hang out with Lori. After dropping them off, he headed for the hospital, thinking about Amanda and the situation. He had a couple of ideas, but they would take help. Lots of help.
* * *
Amanda stood close to Grandpa’s bed, holding his h
and. “Guess you can’t blame my cooking now.” She grinned, trying to make him smile when the worry that choked her own throat barely let her speak. It’d been a close call. Too close.
His half-hearted smile made her feel better, although he was still pale. The doctor’s report that he was stable gave her the extra reassurance she needed. They didn’t know why his heart rhythms had gone crazy, but it did alert them to fact he needed surgery to get a pacemaker put in. God was definitely watching over them.
Until the surgery, they’d keep a close eye on him in ICU, and Amanda would be by his side through the whole ordeal.
“You don’t have to stay. Doc said I’d be fine.”
“I heard him, same as you did. I’m not here because I have to be. I’m here because I want to be. Don’t even bother trying to get rid of me.”
“Amanda, honey.” He covered her hand with his frail one. “Your mother was sick, and it was her time. God called her home, and I think she preferred things to happen the way they did. She was worried about you. You didn’t do anything wrong when you left to shower and change clothes, for heaven’s sake. You need to let it go, and you need to go home. I’ll be fine, and I’m in good hands. These doctors are taking good care of me.”
“Maybe, maybe not. But I’m sticking by your side like glue until you’re in the clear. So, quit trying to get rid of me,” she teased. Nothing could change the past, but she darn well could make sure it didn’t happen again.
Luckily, she had Jennifer to step in and help. Jennifer had agreed to stay at the house and take care of Cupcake, and to check in on the bakery over the next few days. More as a formality, since Amanda didn’t expect someone to try and break in and steal stale donuts. With the bakery closed to business, she’d never make the next payment to the bank, but it couldn’t be helped. She had to trust that whatever happened to the bakery, was also in God’s hands.
Amanda held out her phone to Grandpa. “Do you want to play solitaire on here? I can talk to the nurses and see about getting us a checkerboard. What about reading material? I can have Jennifer bring some things when she drops off a bag for me later tonight.”
He took the phone from her and glanced at it. “Nope. Screen’s too small. Checkers would be fun. So would a milkshake.” He chuckled. “Strawberry.”
“Of course. But I’ll have to see what the doc says first.”
“Party pooper.”
“Name-calling doesn’t become you, and it won’t change a thing.” She grinned. Taking her phone back, she called Jennifer. “Hey, there. How’s Cupcake?”
“She’s fine, of course. She loves me. Always has. How’s your grandfather?”
“Ornery. When you come this way with my bag, can you bring the checkerboard? Oh, and a deck of cards.”
“No problem. I know where you keep everything.”
Amanda turned and walked away from the bed. “He also wants a strawberry milkshake.”
“Is that doctor approved?”
“No, but you get it, and I’ll double-check. Worst-case scenario, I’ll drink it.”
“Sounds good. Consider it done.”
“Thanks, Jennifer. You’re a lifesaver, and I can’t thank you enough for keeping an eye on Cupcake and the bakery.”
“That’s what friends are for.”
New friends and old friends.
Amanda had plenty of both and was grateful for all that she had in her life. An image of the twins making a mess as they mixed their father’s birthday cake came to mind, making her smile. Those two went into the sweet friend category for sure.
It suddenly dawned on her that today was Kevin’s birthday, and she hadn’t finished the cake like she’d promised the girls. “One other thing. When you check on the bakery, can you finish an order and deliver it? Please. It’s special and due today.”
“I think they’ll understand why you can’t get it done considering the circumstances, whoever it is.”
“No, they won’t. Trust me. They’re eleven.”
“As in the twins?” Jennifer asked.
“Yes. It’s Kevin’s birthday cake. Here’s what I need you to do.” Amanda described the topping they’d planned, telling Jennifer how to finish it. She gave her Kevin’s address after exacting the promise to deliver the special dessert for the twins.
After they hung up, Amanda was tempted to text Kevin a happy birthday wish but slid the phone back in her pocket where it belonged. She might know who the woman at Sally’s was, but it didn’t change Kevin’s attitude toward relationships. It was safer if she kept her distance and the wall around her heart.
“Everything okay?” Grandpa asked, his gaze landing on her.
“Right as rain. Better if all this equipment hooked up to you would quit beeping and whirring.” She tried to make light of the noise she hated. She’d had more than her share of time listening to the sounds while she sat with her mother in the hospital, waiting for the inevitable end. She hated this place and the memories that came with it.
“Comes with the territory. You could always spring me from this joint. You know I hate hospitals.”
“I do know, but you aren’t going anywhere until the doc clears you. Jennifer should be here around seven, and then we can play checkers or cards.”
“You love playing cards, so you have a fighting chance of beating me.”
“You love checkers, so you’ll win. Guess that makes us even.” She winked.
The door opened behind them, and Amanda turned to talk to the doctor. Except it wasn’t him.
Kevin. The last person she’d expected to see here.
“Hey, there. I just came to check on you and see how your grandfather is doing.” Handsome as ever, she couldn’t help the rush of pleasure at seeing him. It was like this every time he walked into a room, as though her heart recognized him.
“You don’t have to whisper, young man. I’m not dying.” Grandpa smiled at Kevin, letting him know he was teasing.
“Sorry, sir. I wasn’t sure,” Kevin chuckled as he moved closer to the bed, not at all affronted by her grandfather’s remark.
Her grandfather chuckled. “I like this one, Amanda. Definitely a keeper.”
“Stop. We’re just friends.” Or at least they had been until she’d shut him out, something he hadn’t exactly tried to stop from happening. “Grandpa, this is Kevin. The guy I told you that helped me with the recipe. Kevin, this is Joe Maddox, my grandpa.”
Kevin nodded. “Good to meet you, sir. You look well, all things considered. Did you get good news?” This time, he asked her grandfather directly.
“According to this one—” her grandfather pointed at her, “—I did. But I don’t think cutting a man open for anything means you can check the good box.”
“I hear you on that. Hospitals aren’t my favorite place, either.” Kevin frowned, as if the place reminded him of something he preferred to forget.
“He’s getting a pacemaker put in,” Amanda said, clasping her grandfather’s hand in her own. “It’ll be a lifesaver, and that’s what takes top priority, not his qualms about the procedure.”
“They tell me I’ll feel ten years younger. I reckon that’s a good thing if I can flirt with the nurses.” Grandpa shot her a wink, knowing his comment would rile her.
“Grandpa. Stop.” She looked over at Kevin. “He’s teasing.”
“I’m not getting in the middle of this one. I just stopped in to see if either of you needed anything. Oh, and this is for you,” Kevin handed her a brown paper bag. It’s a sub from O’Malley’s. I figured hospital food isn’t exactly good for meals while you’re playing guardian angel.”
She wasn’t surprised at his generosity or kindness. It was one of the things she really liked about him. A lot. “Thank you. That’s thoughtful of you. Oh, and happy birthday.” Talking to him in person was far better than the text she thought of sending earlier.
“Thanks. When I head back to town, I’ve got to pick up the twins and take them to dinner.”
“G
ive the girls a hug for me and tell them not to worry about my grandfather.” She’d seen them yesterday, but a lot had happened since then. Their youthful exuberance was always a pick-me-up.
“I heard what you did to help the girls with a cake for me, and don’t worry about it not working out. Maybe next year.” He gazed at her, the slight smile on his face for her alone.
“Next year?” She had to ask, the comment linking the two of them together going forward.
“Sure thing. I’m not going anywhere, are you?”
She shook her head. “Not that I know of.”
“Then next year, I get a redo.” His grin was soft and warm, making her toes curl with appreciation. “I look forward to more of your creations. A man could get hooked on them if he’s not careful. You have a way of making a person come back for more.”
Are we still talking about cake? “Well, actually, it won’t be a redo.” She turned the table on him, loving the confused expression on his face. “Jennifer’s delivering your cake as we speak.”
“You’re kidding?” Kevin shook his head in wonder.
“Nope. Since you’re not at home, I’ll text her to leave it on the front porch.”
“You’re one amazing woman, Amanda. I don’t know how you keep it all together, but you do.” His gaze held tenderness and caring and something else. She wanted to ask, but not with her grandpa watching. He already had far too many opinions about Kevin.
“Now that’s something we can both agree on, young man. Just remember to make your admiration count.” Grandpa wasn’t shy about jumping in the conversation. His gaze went back and forth between her and Kevin, a sly smile on his face as if he held the key to a secret.
“Grandpa. Stop. I mean it.”
“Or what? You’ll call the nurse? Make sure it’s the blonde.” The man was in ICU and still he joked. Men.